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Saturday, December 2, 2017

The Countdown's Begun—Have You Started Yet?

Are you drowning in a flood of email with subjects like “Christmas Gift Ideas”?  Well, I hope this one makes it through your spam filter, because I believe my list will take your paintings to the next level—all with the idea of helping you fulfill your New Year's vow of becoming a better painter.

Over the years, I've produced a number of educational products with that very goal in mind.  Many feature techniques I've learned or discovered that have really worked for me.  With that in mind, here is a holiday wish list just for you.

For Beginners


Are you just getting started in plein air painting?  Don't know where to start or what tools to buy?  Then my series of Plein Air Essentials courses is for you.  These online, self-study courses will show you everything you need to know through video demonstrations and downloadable material.  These are priced very reasonably, and the site also offers discount codes that take the price lower yet.  Even if you are an experienced outdoor painter, you'll find these courses useful as a refresher.  Visit www.PleinAirEssentials.com .

Books


I've published a number of helpful books over the years.  This list includes how-to books, books that offer my thoughts on painting, and books that feature favorite, very special locations.  They are all available through Amazon in both paperback and Kindle editions.  If you want a signed copy, bring the book to a workshop and I'll be happy to sign it!  Visit my author page at www.Amazon.com/author/johnson.

Videos


As many of your know, I've written scores of helpful articles over the years for Pastel Journal and The Artist's Magazine.  Not too long ago, F&W Media, the parent organization, invited me to its video studio in Ohio to produce three videos on topics of my choice.  I chose topics that I thought would be most helpful for the painter in a video format, and I was very pleased with the results.  Although you no longer can order the DVDs, they are available for as downloads and as streaming video.   You can get “The Secret of” videos here.  https://www.northlightshop.com/catalogsearch/result/?q=Michael+Chesley+Johnson+videos

Workshops


Self-study courses, book and videos have their place, but there's nothing like taking a workshop with me.  It's the only way you'll get on-the-spot feedback and personal attention.  Plus, I teach in beautiful places, so you won't be disappointed with the scenery!  Treat yourself to a week by the seaside in Downeast Maine painting the stunning cliffs and vistas of a historic fishing village.  Or, come to New Mexico and take a one-on-one painting intensive with me to paint some gorgeous Southwestern landscapes.  I have a full list of workshops in Maine, the Southwest and elsewhere on my website at http://www.mchesleyjohnson.com/workshops  And yes, I do gift certificates!

Paintings


Of course, besides the instructional material, I'd also love to sell a few paintings!  I have hundreds of paintings on my website, www.MChesleyJohnson.com, which you can purchase directly from the site.  I also offer sales now and then.  My holiday sale is still going on as we speak, and if you order right away, you'll get your painting before Christmas.

Calendar

If you can't afford a painting, maybe you'd like a calendar for $13.99?  I've gone through and selected my favorite 13 paintings from this past year.  The calendar will provide you with a visual feast that will feed you all year!  You can preview and buy it here:  http://www.lulu.com/shop/michael-chesley-johnson/2018-landscape-painting-calendar/calendar/product-23433635.html

I hope you'll find something in my list that you or another painter will enjoy. Now get out and paint!